Features » October 24, 2004

Bushs War Against the Military

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George W. Bush so often invokes his nominal title of “commander in chief” at veterans’ rallies, on military bases and during presidential debates that he now appears like some latter-day caudillo. But his claims to be a commander of any kind in any serious way are a figment of his imagination.

Discounting that he sent American troops into Iraq on false pretenses, a real commander would fight for the welfare of his troops. But Bush has demonstrated a consistent unwillingness to do so, and as a result many high-ranking officers have endorsed Kerry, including retired Navy Adm. William Crowe and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. John Shalikashvili.

Bush has failed the military on almost every level. While Halliburton and Boeing went to the bank this year with about $10 billion each, undermanned U.S. forces went into Iraq without armored vests and driving unarmored vehicles. The fatal results were hidden from public view as the dead were secreted home and the Department of Defense (DOD) obscured and juggled the numbers of maimed and wounded.

Once back in the United States, veterans found no federal welcome mat laid out for them. By April this year, one in six veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan had filed benefits claims with the Veterans Administration for service-related disabilities. These figures do not include those troops still serving and are twice the number the DOD Web site says suffered “Non-Mortal Wounds” in those conflicts. Today, one-third of those claims, almost 10,000, have yet to be processed. Further, Bush’s 2005 budget will cut 540 staff members of the Veterans Benefit Administration, which is the office that handles the claims. The outreach department that lets vets know of available services also was instructed in a 2002 memo by a deputy undersecretary in the Veterans Health Administration to run in silent mode to flush out people who had not made claims out of ignorance.

Even if the war wounded succeed in getting disability pay, in 2003 Bush threatened to veto a bill that allowed veterans to collect disability pay and pensions simultaneously.

In 2003, his administration also tried to cut combat pay from $225 to $150 a month and the family separation allowance from $250 to $100. And most callously of all, the frat brat who ducked a war that killed 48,000 American troops threatened to veto a proposal to double the $6,000 payment to relatives of soldiers killed in action.

That is typical of the way in which President Bush, who loves to dress up in uniform, treats those who actually wear one. As a June 30, 2003, Army Times editorial concluded: “President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress have missed no opportunity to heap richly deserved praise on the military. But talk is cheap and getting cheaper by the day, judging by the nickel-and-dime treatment the troops are getting lately.”

In his ghostwritten 1999 biography A Charge to Keep, an indignant Bush wrote: “Nearly twelve thousand members of the armed forces are on food stamps. I support increased pay and better benefits and training for our citizen solders. A volunteer military has only two paths. It can lower its standards to fill its ranks. Or it can inspire the best and brightest to join and stay.” Despite four years to do something about it, more than 250,000 military families did not get Bush’s much-vaunted child tax credit because their breadwinner earned less than $26,000 a year. And in his 2005 budget, Bush proposes only that combat pay not count toward eligibility for food stamps—for which no less than 25,000 military families are eligible.

The U.S. Army pay scale is about half that of the British, which is why there is a major crisis in military recruitment. Senior officers talk about a “serious crisis” in recruitment for the regular forces. In addition, the Iraq war has put heavy demands on reservists and guard units. For the first time in 10 years, the guard failed to meet its recruitment target. In one Indiana unit, for instance, the reenlistment rate has dropped from 85 percent to 32 percent.

You would think that the Bush administration would be solicitous of the foot soldiers who carry out its imperial ambitions. But this administration is militaristic, not pro-military. Most of its members sedulously avoided combat and uniformed service of any kind in previous wars and most current enlisted personnel come from small town, blue-collar America, precisely the people whose voices are among the least heard. It is no surprise that Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s proposals for cutting back legal entitlement to overtime pay this year included all those who had learned their skill in the military.

All of this penny-pinching may seem strange in light of Bush’s desperate attempts to associate himself with the military. But when he dons a flak jacket, the president is not looking to win over those GIs who have just had their term extended on stop-loss orders, but those TV-viewing voters who put the military on a pedestal as the guarantor of American virtues.

The number of dead Iraqi citizens will probably never be revealed. At the same time, after watching the U.S. population over the years, I don't think they care.

Posted by Deno Moto (CynicalAnomaly) on 2016-10-12 16:15:10

12 years later, more than half a dozen countries have been bombed, destabilized, their leaders assassinated, failed coups and failed regime changed, many others threatened by the U.S. which wages economic war on dozens of other states, some of which are not in the middle east, over a million dead by conservative counts with no end in site. No end in site. The U.S. population despite having weapons, wealth and and a sort education seems to have no will or moral conviction strong enough to stop this rouge government.

Posted by Deno Moto (CynicalAnomaly) on 2016-10-12 16:09:58

An effective way to frame the American occupation of Iraq in terms beneficial to ending the occupation is by shifting the debate from one over the war to one over the draft. By shifting from war to draft we accomplish several things:
1. Because the draft is not yet reality, we have almost total control over the terms of the debate. Proponents of the occupation cannot talk about the draft in positive terms, they can only deny that it is going to happen. But we can talk about the draft in endless ways - each way illustrating another aspect of the overall occupation. And sense the draft does not yet exist in reality, it is easier for people to think about it with an open mind and to take a position on the issue.
2. Because the draft is generally and historically unpopular, proponents of the occupation must deny the possibility of the draft. This not only puts proponents on the defensive, but it can also force a discussion on why they believe that the current force levels are adequate (when clearly they are not). Every time they say that there will not be a draft is a reminder of the mess that they are created. Each time that reservists are called back to duty, that stop-losses are ordered serves as a reminder that we are correct to be not only concerned about, but also opposed to the draft.
3. Because the draft has personal meaning to all American families with children and grandchildren ages 14-25, the discussion of the draft can bring new people directly into the dialogue over the occupation of Iraq. Since the occupation is unrelated to defense of American soil, criticisms of the draft move beyond the standard anti-war positions of the far left. Middle Americans can start worrying and talking about the occupation, and we can move our message beyond the choir. This is especially true if the discussion is framed as "freedom from the draft," with freedom as one of several core American values violated by a draft for a war of aggression and occupation.
I suggest that when developing a case against the draft that we build on several themes:
1. Freedom from killing
2. Freedom from illegal war
3. Freedom of life
The more that Americans talk about the draft, the more favorable the dialogue is to our issues and concerns. If we fight for freedom from the draft now, and use every opportunity to link the draft to illegal war of aggression, we will find more people receptive to opposing the overall occupation of Iraq.
Framing the War: Freedom from the DraftPosted by Liberation Learning on 2004-12-02 03:38:53

An effective way to frame the American occupation of Iraq in terms beneficial to ending the occupation is by shifting the debate from one over the war to one over the draft. By shifting from war to draft we accomplish several things:

1. Because the draft is not yet reality, we have almost total control over the terms of the debate. Proponents of the occupation cannot talk about the draft in positive terms, they can only deny that it is going to happen. But we can talk about the draft in endless ways - each way illustrating another aspect of the overall occupation. And sense the draft does not yet exist in reality, it is easier for people to think about it with an open mind and to take a position on the issue.

2. Because the draft is generally and historically unpopular, proponents of the occupation must deny the possibility of the draft. This not only puts proponents on the defensive, but it can also force a discussion on why they believe that the current force levels are adequate (when clearly they are not). Every time they say that there will not be a draft is a reminder of the mess that they are created. Each time that reservists are called back to duty, that stop-losses are ordered serves as a reminder that we are correct to be not only concerned about, but also opposed to the draft.

3. Because the draft has personal meaning to all American families with children and grandchildren ages 14-25, the discussion of the draft can bring new people directly into the dialogue over the occupation of Iraq. Since the occupation is unrelated to defense of American soil, criticisms of the draft move beyond the standard anti-war positions of the far left. Middle Americans can start worrying and talking about the occupation, and we can move our message beyond the choir. This is especially true if the discussion is framed as "freedom from the draft," with freedom as one of several core American values violated by a draft for a war of aggression and occupation.

I suggest that when developing a case against the draft that we build on several themes:

The more that Americans talk about the draft, the more favorable the dialogue is to our issues and concerns. If we fight for freedom from the draft now, and use every opportunity to link the draft to illegal war of aggression, we will find more people receptive to opposing the overall occupation of Iraq.

Was Arafat's compound attacked with depleted uranium? Does he have any distinquishing symptoms?
For possible results see:
http://inferno.slug.org/~mark/Issue_D.htmlPosted by Mark Schindler on 2004-10-30 11:12:10

Was Arafat's compound attacked with depleted uranium? Does he have any distinquishing symptoms?

Here is a great article for you to read at MSNBC for you all to feast your eyes on...
What Is a War President?
Franklin D. Roosevelt's grandson assesses George W. Bush's performance
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6364551/site/newsweek/Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-30 06:54:03

Here is a great article for you to read at MSNBC for you all to feast your eyes on...What Is a War President?Franklin D. Roosevelt's grandson assesses George W. Bush's performance http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/63...

Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-30 06:54:03

Here is a great article for you to read at MSNBC for you all to feast your eyes on...What Is a War President?Franklin D. Roosevelt's grandson assesses George W. Bush's performance http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/63...

Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-30 06:54:03

I'm not the best writer in the world, but in light of this new vidieo coming out of Bin Laden, I have to express my views on it. I think, that by him cutting down Bush so much, and he did that alot, reminding us of how he sat reading a book to school children while our country was under attack...he made reference that our political office is sort of like theirs....they have Kings and their sons inherit the throne...making the analogy that George W. Bush's Dad was President before him. Overall, he was very insulting to Bush. I think, that he did this for a specific reason. He KNOWS that if he verbally attacks our President...that the American people will rally around their President. In other words, Bin Laden WANTS George W. Bush to be elected. WHY? Because if George Bush gets re-elected, this will DEFINITELY encourage all of the Muslim world to rally around Bin Laden! Bin Laden got just what he wanted from Bush the FIRST time...Bush fell right into his trap and went and invaded a Muslim country after 911. This is EXACTLY what Bin Laden needed in order to get more and more people to come and offer their services to him! Suicide bombers coming out of the woodwork! Bin Laden PRETENDED to be speaking to "the American people" in this tape, when in all actualality, he was really getting his message across to the Muslim world.
NOW, because Bin Laden WANTS Bush to be re-elected so he can benefit from it by obtaining more terrorists to work for him....this is all the more reason that we must MAKE SURE that George W. Bush does NOT get re-elected. We need to get this word out to ALL the American people, some how, some way...it's OUR SAFETY I'm talking about! If Bush would have spent HALF the money that has been spent, and simply FOCUSED on Bin Laden, he would have EASILY been captured a LONG TIME AGO...but he went after Iraq instead, very FOOLISHLY...and it was just like dropping a million bucks into Bin Laden's LAP. He never DREAMED he could have such a blessing.Now, Iraq is FULL of terrorists and more and more and more of them are leaning towards joining Bin Laden, thanks to Bush. People, this guy has GOT TO GO. The worst part of all this is, the media has got it ALL WRONG!!!The media is saying that Bin Laden didn't "endorse" either canidate. I beg your pardon, but I think that in a very, manipulative, decieving way, he HAS!!! I think I am right? Does anybody else agree with my line of thinking???? I'm glad Sadaam Husein is behind bars, I think that may have eliminated alot of money that alot of them used to get, but it shouldn't have been the PRIORITY. Bin Laden should have been the PRIORITY, and this is exactly the reason why!
Also, I would like to thank the Veteran, Kenneth Arbogast, from Michigan, for making so many EXCELLENT VALID POINTS.That was very well written and I thank you for making it so clear.
I would love to have some feedback on my thoughts here...this is getting rather scary! I think John Kerry would do a MUCH better job!
Thank you and good night.Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-29 20:47:35

I'm not the best writer in the world, but in light of this new vidieo coming out of Bin Laden, I have to express my views on it. I think, that by him cutting down Bush so much, and he did that alot, reminding us of how he sat reading a book to school children while our country was under attack...he made reference that our political office is sort of like theirs....they have Kings and their sons inherit the throne...making the analogy that George W. Bush's Dad was President before him. Overall, he was very insulting to Bush. I think, that he did this for a specific reason. He KNOWS that if he verbally attacks our President...that the American people will rally around their President. In other words, Bin Laden WANTS George W. Bush to be elected. WHY? Because if George Bush gets re-elected, this will DEFINITELY encourage all of the Muslim world to rally around Bin Laden! Bin Laden got just what he wanted from Bush the FIRST time...Bush fell right into his trap and went and invaded a Muslim country after 911. This is EXACTLY what Bin Laden needed in order to get more and more people to come and offer their services to him! Suicide bombers coming out of the woodwork! Bin Laden PRETENDED to be speaking to "the American people" in this tape, when in all actualality, he was really getting his message across to the Muslim world.NOW, because Bin Laden WANTS Bush to be re-elected so he can benefit from it by obtaining more terrorists to work for him....this is all the more reason that we must MAKE SURE that George W. Bush does NOT get re-elected. We need to get this word out to ALL the American people, some how, some way...it's OUR SAFETY I'm talking about! If Bush would have spent HALF the money that has been spent, and simply FOCUSED on Bin Laden, he would have EASILY been captured a LONG TIME AGO...but he went after Iraq instead, very FOOLISHLY...and it was just like dropping a million bucks into Bin Laden's LAP. He never DREAMED he could have such a blessing.Now, Iraq is FULL of terrorists and more and more and more of them are leaning towards joining Bin Laden, thanks to Bush. People, this guy has GOT TO GO. The worst part of all this is, the media has got it ALL WRONG!!!The media is saying that Bin Laden didn't "endorse" either canidate. I beg your pardon, but I think that in a very, manipulative, decieving way, he HAS!!! I think I am right? Does anybody else agree with my line of thinking???? I'm glad Sadaam Husein is behind bars, I think that may have eliminated alot of money that alot of them used to get, but it shouldn't have been the PRIORITY. Bin Laden should have been the PRIORITY, and this is exactly the reason why!Also, I would like to thank the Veteran, Kenneth Arbogast, from Michigan, for making so many EXCELLENT VALID POINTS.That was very well written and I thank you for making it so clear.I would love to have some feedback on my thoughts here...this is getting rather scary! I think John Kerry would do a MUCH better job!Thank you and good night.

Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-29 20:47:35

I'm not the best writer in the world, but in light of this new vidieo coming out of Bin Laden, I have to express my views on it. I think, that by him cutting down Bush so much, and he did that alot, reminding us of how he sat reading a book to school children while our country was under attack...he made reference that our political office is sort of like theirs....they have Kings and their sons inherit the throne...making the analogy that George W. Bush's Dad was President before him. Overall, he was very insulting to Bush. I think, that he did this for a specific reason. He KNOWS that if he verbally attacks our President...that the American people will rally around their President. In other words, Bin Laden WANTS George W. Bush to be elected. WHY? Because if George Bush gets re-elected, this will DEFINITELY encourage all of the Muslim world to rally around Bin Laden! Bin Laden got just what he wanted from Bush the FIRST time...Bush fell right into his trap and went and invaded a Muslim country after 911. This is EXACTLY what Bin Laden needed in order to get more and more people to come and offer their services to him! Suicide bombers coming out of the woodwork! Bin Laden PRETENDED to be speaking to "the American people" in this tape, when in all actualality, he was really getting his message across to the Muslim world.NOW, because Bin Laden WANTS Bush to be re-elected so he can benefit from it by obtaining more terrorists to work for him....this is all the more reason that we must MAKE SURE that George W. Bush does NOT get re-elected. We need to get this word out to ALL the American people, some how, some way...it's OUR SAFETY I'm talking about! If Bush would have spent HALF the money that has been spent, and simply FOCUSED on Bin Laden, he would have EASILY been captured a LONG TIME AGO...but he went after Iraq instead, very FOOLISHLY...and it was just like dropping a million bucks into Bin Laden's LAP. He never DREAMED he could have such a blessing.Now, Iraq is FULL of terrorists and more and more and more of them are leaning towards joining Bin Laden, thanks to Bush. People, this guy has GOT TO GO. The worst part of all this is, the media has got it ALL WRONG!!!The media is saying that Bin Laden didn't "endorse" either canidate. I beg your pardon, but I think that in a very, manipulative, decieving way, he HAS!!! I think I am right? Does anybody else agree with my line of thinking???? I'm glad Sadaam Husein is behind bars, I think that may have eliminated alot of money that alot of them used to get, but it shouldn't have been the PRIORITY. Bin Laden should have been the PRIORITY, and this is exactly the reason why!Also, I would like to thank the Veteran, Kenneth Arbogast, from Michigan, for making so many EXCELLENT VALID POINTS.That was very well written and I thank you for making it so clear.I would love to have some feedback on my thoughts here...this is getting rather scary! I think John Kerry would do a MUCH better job!Thank you and good night.

Wow! I almost killed myself today out of grief, sorrow, and despair for our country. God Bless our troops, including the Reserve and National Guard. If I were President, every single troop, guard, reserve and families thereof, those who died serving and those who management to survive...LIFETIME HEALTHCARE, DENTAL, MENTAL HEALTHCARE, ACCESS FOR FREE TO THE BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA, FREE MEDICATIONS UNRESTRICTED BRAND VS GENERIC; MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING BY LICENSED PROVEN PSYCHOLOGISTS, NOT HMO!
Okay, how would I fund this? lop off $200 bn right off the bat from the DOD budget and all other agency budget funding that is dedicated to the red herring called "homeland security" and fire all contractors related to defense and national security.
No More Contracting Out National Security and U.S. Military, period! No More contracting out information management systems of defense related weapons or administrative related systems...no more!Posted by sam adams on 2004-10-29 13:19:24

Dear Editor,
President Bush said that the important question is who will keep this country safe as commander in chief? As an American, a disabled veteran and a voter, I agree, and I suggest that voters consider these questions:
1. Who ignored an August 2001 Presidential Daily Briefing entitled “bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States”?
2. After learning that a second aircraft had hit the World Trade Center, who sat reading a children’s story for seven minutes, while two more hijacked airliners targeted Americans?
3. Who said that bringing Osama bin Laden to justice -- “dead or alive” --was his priority, but later told the press, “I’m not really concerned” about bin Laden’s whereabouts, and now says it is an “exaggeration” to say that he wasn’t concerned about bin Laden?
4. Who publicly said that one reason for going to war against Iraq was that Saddam Hussein had tried to “kill my Daddy”?
5. Who ignored the advice of his Secretary of State -- a former four-star general who fought the first War in Iraq -- when he warned that Iraq was like a pottery store: “You break it, you bought it.”?
6. Who submitted a supplemental appropriations request to Congress for $87 billion to fund bullets, body armor and fuel in November 1993 -- seven months after the War in Iraq started ? Why weren’t those essentials included in the April 1993 request for $62.6 billion? Did the “war president” think that our troops could fight a war without bullets, body armor and fuel? Now we hear that the Bush Administration plans to request an additional $70 billion for the Iraq War, but only after the election.
7. Who had Justice Department attorneys write briefing papers to justify torturing prisoners of war? Doesn’t the “war president” know that the best reason for adhering to the Geneva Convention is that it provides protection for our troops if they are captured?
8. Whose war planning allowed 380 tons of military weapons in Iraq to fall into enemy hands? Who claimed that there was no way to know the weapons were there, even though the weapons were listed in a report by the U.N. weapons inspectors? Whose campaign sent a spokesman on national television to blame the troops, saying that maybe the troops couldn’t find them? What story will the “war president’s” administration invent now that news footage shows U.S. troops inspecting the now-missing weapons?
9. Who mocked his challenger for suggesting that the United States should judge our reasons for going to war against a “global test”? Does the “war president” believe that showing “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” is somehow un-American?
10. Who said, “You can't lead this country if your ally in Iraq feels like you question his credibility.”? Isn’t it curious that the one “global test” that our “war president” approves is the endorsement of a foreign leader that he placed in office?
11. Who said in an interview with the Washington Post; "I’m the commander — see, I don’t need to explain why I say things. That’s the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don’t feel like I owe anybody an explanation."?
12. More than 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died during the invasion of Iraq and in the months since the “war president” declared “Mission Accomplished.” We have found no weapons of mass destruction, no terrorist training camps, no link to bin Laden, and no connection to 9/11. Yet the “war president” says he would do it all again?
When I vote Nov. 2, I will do my civic duty, just as I completed my military duty. I will vote to defend my country.
Kenneth Arbogast
American, Veteran, Voter
Alden, MichiganPosted by Kenneth Arbogast on 2004-10-28 19:07:21

Why doesn't anybody ever bring up the fact that 911 happened ON George W. Bush's "watch"? I wonder what makes him think that he can make us all feel safer with him as the President? We've SEEN what happened while he was President....one big mess after another! 911, a rush to war, practically ALONE... biggest deficit ever,flu vaccine crisis...the negative aspects that have happened "on his watch"...well it goes on and on and on. John F. Kerry has my vote and I'm also going door to door for him. We have GOT to get this madman OUT of our great White House! When Kerry gets in, he will have his hands full, but I think he'll do a much better job. I know one thing, he WON'T LIE to us and to our GREAT military. Bush HAS. Bush is a PHONY.Posted by Barbie Taylor on 2004-10-28 18:37:35

With all that you indicate as being non-supportive of the military please explain whay, according to all “polls” (whatever they mean) the military are supporting Bush for re-election by a large majority??????
I can’t remember where I read this (maybe someone can help me here) but the only pundit type radio show that the troops in the middle east can hear is the RUSH LIMBAUGH show! With this right wingnut spinning the Bush line and no reality based info available, it is not hard to understand why troops overseas toe the line.
Add to this the fact that the troops are there and can’t just leave. To doubt their mission’s purpose would destroy there ability to function dramatically. How do you fight when you no longer believe in the cause you are fighting for?
The neocon philosophy is built, as Machiavelli said, like a three legged stool. The legs are:
1. Create the most powerful military in the world. The ultimate power trip.
2. Form a Rule of Law. Not our rules! Not the constitution and Bill of Rights! Their law. Keep the people in a state of fear and you control them.
3. Religion. They don’t need to be religious. They need to control people through those people’s religion. ANY religion will do. You need foot soldiers to fight your wars!
You must have all three of these legs or the stool will fall down.
This neat picture explains the arrogance, callousness, lies, deception and all the other things that you caring and thoughtful folks have listed here. The ENDE JUSTIFIES THE MEANS is the program followed. The “end” is Bush’s election on Nov.2, and that explains all the lying that has reached a desperation that you can smell. The stench is enough to make one retch. For example, Look at this item from the Daily Kos website.
Free speech, Bush style
by kos
Tue Oct 26th, 2004 at 17:46:27 GMT
An email from Wisconsin.
A friend with a child in the Richland County,WI high school where George Bush appears today reports the following. Students were told they could not wear any pro-Kerry clothing or buttons or protest in any manner, at the risk of expulsion. After a parent inquired, an alternative activity will be provided, probably a movie being shown in an auditorium. (The school secretary reportedly said that students had the choice of just staying home if they didn't want to attend the Bush rally, but the principal subsequently offered an alternative.)
If Bush comes to a high school, how dare his campaign dictate what students can wear?
This is out of control.
A wonderful website! Find it here:
http://www.dailykos.com/
Paul
Proud to be a member of the Reality Based CommunityPosted by Paul E. Scott on 2004-10-27 22:12:39

I don't think this will be a tight race at all. The reason I believe this is because the polls are based on people who previously voted, and people with their numbers still listed in the phone books (do people really still advertise their name and phone number out there?). The newly registered voters are largely democrat and largely angry about this whole affair and rest assured we will put an end to this nonsense on November 2.Posted by Naomi on 2004-10-27 20:20:52

"Sometimes I feel like they took the book “1984” and thought that looks like a good idea, let’s go with that." Posted by smokinlizardbreath on October 26, 2004 at 2:37 AM
This one made me chuckle. I agree with all of the postings. We have an unquestioning populace being led by an uneducated, nonintellectual, cowhead. To think that our brave military has to give so much for nothing, is nothing short of criminal. I do not think that even a Kerry win will change things very quickly. I think that the neocons will fight him constantly just as they did Clinton. I think it will take a tremendous effort of the middle class and the lower socioeconomic classes to wrestle power back. In the past when the gap between the rich and the poor reached a critical point, revolution always happened. I cannot see how this can be avoided now. I hope this is forestalled, but I do not see how.Posted by Michele on 2004-10-27 13:35:29

As a veteran I just want to shake the folks w/ their little "W" stickers. It is truly amazing how so many can ignore facts of the incompetence of this president and administration. Propaganda is it's most powerfull tool, oh and the 30 second sound bite. It is pitiful to think this guy projects everything he is guilty of to Kerry. Talk about flip flop,a self proclaimed "war president" consamently on vacation. If most american's acted on the job as Bush does we would be out of a job to be blunt. And for those who say speaking out supports the terrorists well have you ever considered what freedoms make this America. What they fail to understand is speaking out is not against our fellows fighting it is against the people who put them there. There is a huge difference. It also strikes a chord with me (a salior) that those posting for Bush can't seem to keep their language clean long enough to make a reasonable statement. If you still insist of voting for Bush come Nov. 2 perhaps you have the good sense to pray to accept the consequences.Posted by Sandy Bailey on 2004-10-27 12:36:56

Kevin Collins
You need to go bury your head in the sand.
The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier
Wars were Treated and Appreciated by their Nation.
It is my opinion; because it is more then obvious for what I see: Too many of the people that make the laws of this land, have never served in its Armed Forces and its true patriots are faced with feelings of betrayal and disbelief in its leaders.
Soldiers and Veterans of all branches of the military know that true Patriotism goes beyond the waving of our country's flag and the singing of our National Anthem. Those are important gestures to be sure, but true patriotism demands loyalty to the ideals that lie behind those gestures. It calls forth loyalty to the traditions, the institutions and the courage that make our country great.
Rhetorical support for veterans has been a staple of political discourse throughout the country's history, but veterans have long struggled to get promised benefits. But, never when a Presidential Candidate came in front of Disabled Veterans and made a pledge to gain their votes.
President Bush, as Commander-in-Chief of the “bravest fighting force the world has ever known,” you should understand that it is a commander’s responsibility to take care of the troops! Do not let these fine troops come marching home to the heartache that veterans of wars past must face each day!!!
Veterans will no longer be used as a tool to ensure the election of lying politicians only to be ignored once the election is over. We will also no longer sit by silently as our entitlements and benefits are eroded to fund questionable programs and to provide aid and comfort to our enemies. If, George Bush and the Republican Party are so touched by the plight of foreigners let them contribute from their own personal wealth
But, it is the Bush administration that will bear the judgment of all America’s Veterans on this matter.Posted by Louis D. Cruz on 2004-10-26 17:23:15

Mr. Sullins,
-- It’s time for you America Haters to take a hike. The active duty combat soldiers fully support our commander in chief, Presdient Bush. We are at war! Your actions support the terrorist killers. --
You've been blessed with one relevant Roosevelt quote. Well, here's another:
"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."
Succinctly put, no?
(P.S. Protesting against the war doesn't endanger our troops -- sending them to fight in an illegal, unnecessary war built on heinous lies, however, most certainly does.)Posted by Kevin Collins on 2004-10-26 17:05:50

I agree with just about every one of your comments.
One little quibble:
<>
I don't believe he "grew convinced" but that he just went along with what he was being manipulated to do by those powermongerers who came in on his coattails of the Selection (and their enablers), who finagled and lied to get our country to commit its soldiers and tax dollars to the enrichment of the "big boyz" e.g. Halliburton.
Thank you everyone for expressing your passionate and well-reasoned case against Resident Bush. I hope there will be enough pollwatchers on election day to counter the sneaky plans of the Republican Party to undermine this election once again in the many ways they are giving indications of planning to do. I hope also there will be enough knowledgeable people given access to "the machines" to ensure that the paperless voting machines are not rigged to disenfranchise enough voters to require yet another supreme court "Selection".Posted by Lily on 2004-10-26 14:12:19

The buck stops with BUSH..
A very distinct answer to who is responsible reveals to those who understand is:
Although Kerry may have Voted against the increased spending $87,000,000,000 for Iraq, I am not convinced by any stretch of the imagination (anyones)!!! This responsibility that Dick, and George continue is the same as the one; they both had to express loyalty and HONOR in the Viet Nam WAR days, but chose not to fight in the war that took so many other's lives. GWB said flat not to Viet Nam service when asked, Cheney took five deferments. And, with great indignation now:
Its the arrogance of this President Bush, and out of his own ignorance; he knows not; that, the "onus" to send troops to war without the proper equipment belongs to himself (BUSH).
For the buck, stops with the President!!! And, No one else!!!
This is more evident to all Americans and we are all learning waht effects all Americans; that since, his first day in office, George Bush began to reverse many of the economic, social, and international accomplishments of the Clinton years, dragging the government in small, but constant increments to the right.
Every day we have found one more reason to lament the Florida election travesty, to appreciate even more the values of the previous administration, and ultimately to vote Bush out of office.
It was immediately clear; that, he preferred corporations and their profits to the well being of the environment, and within months we found that he placed little value on the rights many disabled veterans earned in ways he could not imagine, on women's rights, he knows not of the hard-won respect America had in the world, or those souls unlucky enough to have been born poor.
Eventually, we've learned and seen, that Bush would consistently choose war over peace as long as he didn't have to show up. We learned, that Bush was incapable of telling the complete truth, and that contrarily to his own conjured profession (business), he had no skill whatsoever in managing our economy.
We all know George Bush is the first president, since Herbert Hoover to loose jobs and hes says its time for America to celebrate...for what???
Wages have falling, everyone's medical bills are rising, and families cannot afford to send their kids to college....and Bush and Cheney say.."don't worry, this is the best economy of our lifetime." This all proves Bush just does not get it.
Americans already know what four more years of George Bush will be like. Every choice that Bush has made has been; to give more to those with the most, and at the same time telling everyone else, you are on your own. This is the Bush plan for the next four years; and, he is telling it the same as ever.
So, How many screw ups do we allow the Bush admin. to make? ABSOLUTELY NONE.
What is certain Bush Overstated The Evidence. And, although Bush came to office having lost the popular vote, the nation rallied behind him after the terrorist strikes of 9/11. He transcended the political divide and became everyone's president the moment he picked up that bullhorn on the ashes of ground zero and promised the terrorists that they would hear from us.
Bush told us to wait, and we confidently stood with him. With surety and resolve, he struck Afghanistan and the hillside holes of al-Qaida extremists. For taking out the Taliban the President deserves some credit. While we still haven't caught Osama bin Laden, the ace of spades, our troops have successfully caught and imprisoned many other al-Qaida leaders.
But before securing Afghanistan, Bush grew convinced that Iraq posed an imminent threat to America and so directed soldiers and supplies there. His administration terrified us into believing that we had to quickly wage war with Baghdad to ensure our safety. Vice President Dick Cheney said he had ``irrefutable evidence'' that Saddam had reconstituted his nuclear program.
And the president himself said he couldn't wait for a smoking gun in the form of a ``mushroom cloud.'' Again, America stood with the president in his resolve to take the fight to the terrorists where they live, forever changing American foreign policy with our first-ever ``pre-emptive'' war.
Once we got to Baghdad, however, we found out that the president was wrong and that the reasons for launching the war were either exaggerated or inaccurate. There were no stockpiles of WMD and no link between Saddam and the terrorists that struck on 9/11.
As it turns out, theLIAR'S in the Bush administration lied to America and the world.
Now we must relieve Bush of his duties as Commander in Chief.
ldcruz1Posted by Louis D. Cruz on 2004-10-26 10:24:21

Those of disabled veterans who fought a war in a far-off jungle called Vietnam know the answer of who to vote for on Nov. 2, 2004!!!
And, as we are in a crucial time of grinding down to Nov. 2nd, the day to elect the next President of the United States: a lot of the World War II veterans, Viet Nam veterans, and many of those two generations who are loyal Republicans, it would seem they dismiss the combat veteran and defend the combat evader. If you can believe the election polls, Bush will win!!! I trust my fellow Americans will do the proper and correct thing on Nov.2,2004.
And, yes; so, now mostly Americans all want to do the right thing, but the unfamiliarity with the real military/veterans issues means constituents who are veterans need to make special efforts to outline all the issues, problems, and then make as many Americans aware of them.
Dismissing the war heroes contradicts everything that America stands for; hiding when the nation calls is exactly what Bush and the current Republicans approve.
When the democrats point out that Kerry served in war and Bush did not, and points out Kerry’s sacrifices and Bush’s escapism, the Republican go berserk. All Americans know that nothing outrages these liars more than truth!!!
So, now there are certain simple facts here that need to be understood through this intensifying political season. John Kerry fought in Vietnam; but, George Bush chose not to fight so the unknown is why would he chose to be for the war, but not fight; to be in the military; but, pull strings to stay out of Viet Nam?
To me, that is cowardly; the decisions that a Coward (OP’S), I mean Bush, made are reflective of his integrity and character and are important for making the choice on who should lead our country.
Right now at this time I will definitely, say that: President Bush has a lot to answer. Only, he can clear up the questions regarding the discrepancies in his service record, and he owes the American people those answers.
More than anything else, this illustrates the Challenge the left faces in getting all Americans to understand the real issues.
Here are the questions Bush must answer:
* Why did George Bush say "I did my duty" when he missed months of duty in 1972, 73 and 74?
* How did George Bush avoid getting called into active service for missing months of duty in 1972, 73, and 74?
* Why did George Bush disobey a direct order to take his physical?
* What standard did George Bush fail to meet when he was grounded for failing to perform at US Air Force/Texas Air National Guard Standards?
* Why did George Bush go above his commander's head to ensure a favorable evaluation he had not earned?
* Why did George Bush say he received "no special treatment" when Ben Barnes says he pulled strings to secure a Guard slot for him?
* Who asked Bush family friend Sidney Adger to get Bush a slot in the Guard immediately after Bush graduated and at the height of the Vietnam War? Former Lt. Governor of Texas should definitely insist on his story unless Bush can prove otherwise.
* When will George Bush produce any credible witness for himself who can attest to his complete service in the Texas Air National Guard?
* Where is my DD 214???
If, Bush will not answer these simple questions with the proper evidence, not his word, as America doubts his integrity. And, if he doesn’t provide the answers for all above:
Every soldier that ever left his military duties without proper relief or discharge since May 1974 should be exonerated for having deserted!!! Those loyal to BUSH don't see it, but every other dishonored soldier does, and all Americans will hold this against Bush!!!!!
America’s Voters still have a choice this fall. But, they'll have to sort through the distortions, the ads, the scorn and the falsehoods to figure out what it is.
Americans’ are smart and can see that three rounds of tax cuts, with the overwhelming benefit going to the wealthy, cost the U.S. Treasury $2 Trillion (that’s spelled with a ‘T’). Then, if they add the cost of the war in Iraq (currently at $225 billion and counting) and a $500 billion budget deficit. The mystery of who to vote for is CLEAR!!!
See my next post for continuation.....Posted by Louis D. Cruz on 2004-10-26 10:17:50

American haters are those that support Bush and his unlawful and illegal invasion of Afghasitan and Iraq.
READ "The unanimous Declaration of Independence of the thirteen united States of America", and the Constitution for the united States of America.
WE ARE NOT AT WAR because Congress has never declared war. The UNITED STATES CORPORATE GOVERNMENT INVADED THE TWO COUNTRIES ABOVE FOR PERSONAL AND CORPORATE GAIN.
The indoctrinated US Miliatary has be fraudulently and intentionally misled by the quite possibly most corrupt government on Earth.
It is also the most terroristic and I do not support terrorism. Any act of aggression against another country or group of people or individual man or woman is an act of terrorism unless war has been declared or a Letter of Reprisal has been granted. The US GOVERNMENT has been using terrorist techniques (often called "covert or black ops") to change the governments or leaders for over 5 decades.
People such as Terry Sullens need to learn the truth before opening their mouths and illustrating their complete lack of knowledge and indoctrinated state of mind, otherwise known as having a constipated mind accompanied with diarrhea of the mouth.
Patriotism has never been illustrated by one blindly supporting any official, whether the civil servant known as the President or any other.Posted by Ed Lewis on 2004-10-26 10:09:50

Irene,
There is proof that the explosives were there when we invaded Iraq. It was after that it went missing, thanks to the poor planning that lead to all the looting.Posted by flan on 2004-10-26 09:16:12

To add fuel to the fire read Naomi Klein's article in the September issue of Harper's Magazine.This may be the most detailed account of the administrations post war plan.Posted by Harold Dodge on 2004-10-26 09:06:09

The "Smirk" that is hillarrious! I thought I was the only one who called him "the smirk" It is that smirk, that very smirk, that for those of you that can read body language, and are an extreme good judge of charactor, know that this man has no concern for our military soldiers, veterans, or for middleclass Americans. His mission is clear and unreveeled. This man and his administration are hy-jacking America and turning it into a sweat shop. He has tasted power and he likes it. For those who can predict and see into the future know that he has only just begun. bush is the true terrorist. He poses the largest threat to America of any dictator in the world. I am not physcic, clarvoient, and I have no special powers. I am just an ordinary patriotic veteran/American with minimal math skills that can see just from "The Smirk" alone that this man is not good for the future of this country, and must be removed from office, or at best be defeated in the upcomming election. This is a lesson to be learned, never again should the supreme court be allowed to decide who is to be president/dictator, that is not the will of the people. A three party system of government is the change that Americans are looking for and so desparately need to end the gridlock of a failing two-party system. we must restore, Honesty, Integrity, and Dignity to the halls of government or all is lost. A three party system will combat and remove corruption and will lead this country in a new and more promising direction. The Veterans Party of America www.veteransparty.us is offering their leadership to provide that check and balance form of three party government designed to free up the hands of the legitimate politicians and work together in harmony to restore America as a country that represents Freedom and Justice for all ! Good-bye Smirk, good ridence! FrayedvetPosted by Karl Schneider on 2004-10-26 09:05:11

In reply to Terry Sullins:
Your comments serve to beautifully illuminate many of the points made by those who oppose "Presdient Bush" and his mindless, admiring minions. As Thomas Jefferson said, "dissent is the highest form of patriotism." He didn't add "except in time of war."
Those who rise to dissent show the world that American still stands for freedom of speech, personal integrity, and diversity of opinion.
My opposition to Bush is most certainly not in any way supportive of terrorists; to imply that is self-serving, small-minded, and patently absurd. It is a common observation that the USA is much less secure under the Bush Administration than it was before he was appointed "presdient." Iraq, which had absolutely nothing to do with the events of 9/11 - although surely under the thumb of a ruthless dictator - is now crawling with terrorists. America is hated around the world, and Al Qaida is recruiting at an unprecedented rate. Our borders are less secure, our allies have become disenchanted, our economic standing leaves us subject to the whims of countries like China (from which we continue to borrow as if our children will not have to eventually pay for our follies), and our military strength continues to be sapped through inadequate funding for our troops, slashes to veterans' benefits, and failing morale caused by policies such as enforced backdoor drafts.
Supporting the terrorists indeed!Posted by LeeAnn Gallucci on 2004-10-26 09:04:39

The real patriotism is to defend one's country against the government.Posted by marina on 2004-10-26 08:20:38

Re: 79% Approval For Bush In The Millitary
What percentage of those surveyed are currently serving or have served in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and/or Afghanitan? Could it be that the troops on the ground seeing combat are less keen on Bush than the millitray men and their families currently residing in bases around the USA, Europe and South East Asia?
Besides, it is simply unpatriotic to not support your Commander In Chief! And who says the millitary doesn't brainwash new recruits?Posted by Jerome Mazandarani on 2004-10-26 07:03:00

It's time for you America Haters to take a hike. The active duty combat soldiers fully support our commander in chief, Presdient Bush. We are at war! Your actions support the terrorist killers.Posted by Terry Sullins on 2004-10-26 06:19:32

Dumbing down aka 'no child left behind' really IS working - we have a dummie in the white house now, don't we? So what else is new for bushie to be talking outta both sides of his smirk?
Say one thing, do something diametrially opposed -- isn't that the political, 'christian' way??
Where is Diogenes and his lamp when we REALLY need him (looking for one honest man)???Posted by avalon davis on 2004-10-26 05:49:35

Oh America! Oh Columbia!
As with ourselves and the Japanese - and probably every other "nation" under the sun - our leaders often turn out to be corrupt, venal, stupid or brutal; take your pick. Generally they do appear to lie their hearts out however. As individual citizens we seem to like each other; a saving grace perhaps? We can hope; this may yet save us.
I personally was encouraged from an early age to regard your country as opportunistic at minimum, greedy at best, and the worst bully in the playground at worst. I have no doubt your citizenry of the War of Independence thought much the same of us - the brutal, ignorant hand of Empire wielding dominion over the poor and freedom loving. Unfortunately this attitude rings very loud bells with many around the world today - but it's no longer the callous dead hand of the British Empire regarded with loathing to most of the globe. You who read this are smart enough to know very well who took our place after WW2.
I am only one of the many who regarded the events of September 2001 with absolute horror. However these shores echoed with many voices that recalled the millions given to our own IRA over the years from misguided American donors; whilst we are not point scoring there were well over 4000 killed in Northern Ireland and the UK as a result of this misled funding. Many in England said America had recieved its just desserts. I am happy to say I was not one of them; 2 wrongs will never make a right (except maybe to the Smirk).
I am personally not down-hearted; I read your comments with interest and feel connected to you all. Do not our common needs and desires show more of our mutual humanity than some fool who, from his engineered position at the top (theoretically) of the richest nation in the world, drops bombs on one of the poorest? I am so sorry to have to relate this to you America, for your principles are some of the finest that history has seen, but your President is out of control. He has mutated, again in the eyes of many people on this world, from the bully in the playground to a rabid dog, deserving only of the old 1 oz. lead sleeping pill and a muddy hole on a rainy day.
(If that sounds like I advocate assassination of the Man, well, you make up your own mind about that.)
While there are still people who question, and raise their voices against the unremitting howl of the compliant media, and try to change other's minds without bashing their heads against a wall, we are all the luckier.
You will win your war. You will make the world a safer place for everyone in it - most sane people would still prefer to live in a sleeping bag in New York than a mansion in Kabul and even Gaddafi is onside now - and you have given history perhaps its greatest example to live up to; for this reason you will not lose. But; the only way to do it is to evict the dog in the manger and put a person there who has the confidence of the majority rather than just his brothers, cousins and business friends.
Please - vote the fool out of your most powerful office on the 2nd. Did I mention it before? The World needs you to do the right thing. For all our sakes please do it.
Care n LuckPosted by Steve Whelan on 2004-10-26 05:23:59

For Schuman - The US Military is a group representing the most indoctrinated Americans to exist. Many - even after being wounded - still believe they are fighting, killing, and dying in the defense of America, even when it is the US Government invading lands with people who have not attacked America, or intend "imminently" on invading our shores.
Many of their families continue believing their loved one died for the defense of "freedom", when the facts are clearly that defending freedom had nothing to do with the overt and covert actions taken by the US Military all over the world.
I know as I was once one of the indoctrinated.
The hardest thing I had to overcome when I began seeking the truth in 1995 is my belief that America is a land ran on integrity, truth, and the American way, when it is instead not a "country" but a union of countries bound in lies and deceit by those labled falsely as "leaders".
Of all leaders during my life of 59 years, Bush and his family are the most criminally acting people ever to be put in office. Nothing Bush has said is based on truth, and one must conclude therefore that Bush's god is Satan, not Yahweh. He has yet to tell the truth about anything, and the indoctrinated continue to believe the putrid lies pouring forth from a mind stagnate to reason and justice.Posted by Ed Lewis on 2004-10-26 05:09:46

George Bush believes that God made him president (if god's name is Fox, ok). He does not allow anyone to contribute alternatives. He "says" he follows his "instincts" and that his "higher father" helps to confirm that his "instincts" are correct. The USA has put people to death for committing criminal acts that have come from voices in their head!!!
The person who is a christian that wrote in is correct. He is NOT a CHRISTIAN. He is a wannabe dictator.
Sometimes I feel like they took the book "1984" and thought that looks like a good idea, let's go with that.
This is my opinion, for the sake of yourselves and the entire world...please stop this madman at all costs.Posted by smokinlizardbreath on 2004-10-26 00:37:41

Over 35% of Bush's presidency has been spent ON VACATION......
(1,460 days in a 4 year term... over 500 days on vacation... who wouldn't love a job like that?)
Is it any wonder he's seen as out of touch?
And, how on earth can a president claim to be "working hard" when 1/3 of his time in office is spent on holiday? ("We're going to fight those terrorists.... now, watch this drive.....")
I'm stunned that the media, and Americans in general, have not seized on this one fact alone as the most critical and damning definition of his presidency.
A "wartime president" does not spend over 1/3 of it on vacation. A "wartime president" doesn't joke about "where's the WMD? oops, not over there!" when our men and women in uniform are dying for those "missing WMD".......
He's a callous and cynical man. He needs to be impeached first, and taken to trial for 'high crimes and misdemeanors" second.
To be allowed a second term as president would itself be a "crime against humanity", beginning with the very people he presumes to lead....
that's my not-so-humble opinion....Posted by New Romans on 2004-10-25 23:17:58

As a Navy veteran of the first Persian Gulf War, thank you for an article which expounds on what well-informed Americans should already know-that George W. Bush is no friend of veterans. One minor correction to your otherwise well-researched story: I believe the number of American dead in the Vietnam War was over 58,000- not 48,000 as you wrote. Finally, a little reminder to all those Americans talking about the Iraq War who seem perplexed by the meaning of the word casualty. Related to military action, it means anyone who is injured, killed, captured, or missing in action. It boggles the mind that even many politicians and political pundits seem to believe that casualty simply refers to those killed in action.Posted by Patrick Hattman on 2004-10-25 20:53:12

It seems that Bush has turned against every previous president. Lincoln knew how to stabilize the South after the Civil War, Roosevelt knew how to stabilize Europe after WWII and Bush Sr. figured that it would be best not to militarily invade Iraq in the first Gulf War. Moreover, Lincoln established diplomatic relations with Haiti so that it could help in the Civil War, Roosevelt established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union so that it could help in WWII, and even Bush Sr. got Syria to help in the first Gulf War.
Not only did Bush have no plans for how to stabilize Iraq, but he has alienated our allies.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bush is not a president; he's a renegade. From what, some may ask? From all decency and international law.Posted by Lee Eisenberg on 2004-10-25 20:20:22

I just read a lot of great comments on this article. I believe all of them to be true. To me President was just another rich brat that approved of the Vietnam War, but waqs to cowardly to volunteer to fight in it, but it was OK for others his age to do it for him while his name and money gave him a spot a head of the line to serve in the Texas National Guard that would keep him out of Vietnam. I have nothing but respect for the National Guard who are serving in Iraq and in Afghanistan.
I agree with John, that if President Bush is elected there will be a draft. I believe we will be in Iraq for years and years to come. I believe the wealthy, even the crooks ripping off the middleclass and poor will receive more wealth through more of Bush tax-cuts. I believe it will become worse than the Great Depression for the poor. I even believe there will be no middleclass, only the have and have-nots. I believe Bush will get us into another war on orders coming from Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and others who have created a nonprofit organization to rule the world called "Project for a new American Century" which is on the Internet. It is these guys that are leading our country. I believe that good men and women coming back from Iraq wounded will have to fight for their benefits, through The American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars who fight for veterans rights every single day and without them veterans don't have a chance against men like George W. Bush and his croonies, like Dick Cheney.
We will hear Taps played for years to come over the bodies of brave men and women who answered their countries call, to fight a war their Commander and Chief had no plan for. According to President Bush there wouldn't even be any casulties and our troops would be welcomed like our soldiers, sailors and airmen that liberated France, well like he states. "I can't think of any mistakes I made." Politicans like George W. Bush lost the war in Vietnam, not the brave men who never lost a battle in Vietnam. When they came home there were no parades or yellow ribbons, no welcome banners. I ask all of you that are against this war to keep supporting our troops who are doing their duty as they swore to do. Welcome them home, write letters like you've wrote here to your newspapers opinion pages supporting them. Demand that they get the benefits our government promised them when they raised their right hand and took their oath.
Remember if George W. Bush is elected the fault will rest on his shoulders for the mess he got us into, the others will pack up and get out of his way and he may stand alone with his sidekick Dick Cheney. I hope Kerry wins, but like the last election, we won't know the day after the elections. God Bless America and our nations veterans.
StevePosted by Steve on 2004-10-25 17:21:07

I fully buy into and understand all the implications I've read here - and I have still yet another theory! Very likely all those munitions now missing in Iraq were transported into Israel or Syria in early 2003 just before we entered Iraq. I read in Debka.file that trucks hauling (?what?) were seen crossing the border from Iraq to Syria many, many times just before the U. S. invaded. Israel and Iran are now at odds. Let's say Israel's even planning to aim a few missiles Iran's way, which will give the U. S. a chance to again invade another country in defense of Israel, and where do we go from there? WW3. Very likely on the horizon.Posted by Irene on 2004-10-25 17:12:53

As a born again christian,it's an insult to me every time I hear someone in the press regarding GW as a born again christian.Being "born again" is too realize the importance of TRUTH and WISDOM.Something GWB has NO clue of.Posted by Fred on 2004-10-25 16:33:30

Mr. Schulman,
-- With all that you indicate as being non-supportive of the military please explain whay, according to all “polls” (whatever they mean) the military are supporting Bush for re-election by a large majority?????? --
Easy -- because they're not informed as to the facts, that's why. Just as 70% of the dumb-butts in America ignorantly believed that Hussein was responsible for 9/11.
Later.Posted by Kevin Collins on 2004-10-25 16:18:59

Get the facts right, folks. It isn't 380,000 tons of explosives stolen. It's 377 tons, which, if you're at the point of the spear, is way plenty. Wanna bet some junior grade officer takes the heat for losing the munitions? It sure won't be Bremer or a 2-or 3-star. As to why GWB still has 45+ approval ratings, it's fear. Fear of change, fear of what Jesus might think (after all, GWB prays and has been anointed and 'saved,' which to the fearful means he's God's boy. If statistics and polls on religion can be believed, the US is the most religious of Western industrialized nations. I don't understand quite why, but that's the way it's reported. A significant number believe in angels, UFO's, ESP, miracles, etc., too. And so it goes. I'm really skeptical about the chances for the long-term future of humankind. One more point: I'm old enough to have two grandsons (ages 7 and one and a half). The seven-year old will be old enough for the draft in just 11 years: a blink of the eye.Posted by waynels on 2004-10-25 16:03:40

Having read this entire discourse, I feel that I have to agree wholeheartedly with almost all of the opinions posted, but one important fact was not mentioned; What about depleted uranium armor and ammunition? What kind of degenerate slimeball would knowingly infect his own people with a known carcinogen? (and the countless Iraqi's he's irradiating). This man obviously could care less about anything other than his rich buddies and his own priveleged ass. With all this disgusting stuff coming to light, why isn't he being impeached as we speak?Posted by Dr.D on 2004-10-25 15:50:40

i feel that if bush and his axis of weasels is reinstated then America and Americans will get exactly what it/they deserve.
All those young faces in those thumbnails are dead.And they died not even knowing the true reason. Another American Revolution is needed to rid the world of the vermin in the White House.
TomeverettPosted by tombobcuster on 2004-10-25 14:34:13

As those of us who have kept abreast of current events know, this is a profoundly important election. However, only if, once these people are hopefully unseated, there are legal, official, governmentally sanctioned measures taken to ensure that this type of monopolization of the fourth estate is never allowed to occur again in this nation will we be truly rid of them and this type of maleficent influence on our political process! Furthermore,it must be insisted upon that whatever means necessary are brought to bear to reverse the successful steps already taken in gaining such control of the country's information channels for, if, to paraphrase Jefferson, "an informed electorate is tandamount to a free and democratic society", Rupert Murdoch, Viacom, Fox and their ilk must be barred from ever participating in the American political process again! These men have already revealed what their agenda is, and, they, by virtue of that fact, should have to forfeit their right to participate in any future electoral processes. They have made it profoundly obvious that they have absolutely no respect for the rule of law governing these matters by their willingness to underhandedly circumvent the laws pertaining to these issues regardless of whether or not that circumvention is clearly detrimental to the maintainance of a United States of America.
We, as the electorate, must insist upon this or we will have essentially forfeited the right to truly participate in it ourselves!Posted by Tony Sloan on 2004-10-25 14:18:39

It is incredible that Bush still has a 45 to 47% approval rate. And that the polls predict a tight race in the upcoming election.
What does it take for Americans to wake up and realize this administration is a danger to them and to the whole world?
After the terrorist attack in Madrid, when Spaniards realized the government was lying to them, they kicked them out of office pretty fast. I hope Americans will do the same with this administration.Posted by marina on 2004-10-25 13:36:04

korean war
I read the news,
Our troops advance,
Reassured, I go to sleep
Then for breakfast,
Eggs and new retreats.Posted by steve dworkin on 2004-10-25 13:00:52

bush and his family don't care about how much blood they spill to further destabilize the Middle East and cause UNPRECEDENTED costs for
oil based on the Iraq quagmire and the coming Iran
'pre-emptive' (we had to do it becuz of weppenz o' mass destruckshun) b.s. line we'll hear replayed when that happens. Imagine this: tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers dead or wounded in an all out Iran/U.S. war because of this misguided Dougie Feith 'preemption' concept that
twisted this lad's arm and forced him to whip blatantly fake data out there (per Carl Levin's
excellent work to expose it!) to the world, via the most lame mouthpiece on the planet, Mr. Powell.
So, to cut to the chase, IF this dufus rigs this election the way I expect he will, next step is Iran War, on the way to 120 dollar a barrel oil from the mideast, and the now justifiable 4 or 5 or six buck a gallon gasoline at the pumps.
How many veteran's does it take to fill your gas tank, America? How many?
wake up and smell the fake concern over the lives of the troops and instead smell the fresh green money going into KBR's and Halliburton's cash coffers, of course none of which will be spent to rehabilitate or bury the guys who gave their all for that tank of gas we're driving with.
How dare this nimrod wear a military uniform and strut around like a little third world general under the MISSION ACCOMPLISHED banner????
nuff said. we are screwed.Posted by d.c. on 2004-10-25 12:02:19

Regarding the missing 380,000 tons of munition, that's just incredible that this stuff wasn't removed or destroyed. Will this come back to haunt us with attacks on our very own soil because our borders are ignored or as Kerry says, our cargo isn't checked thoroughly while plane passengers have to take off their shoes?Posted by Roxan on 2004-10-25 11:28:10

I happened to come across an article accidentaly when I was doing reasearch on Gulf War Syndrome (I have MCS) and they are a related illness although I never served in a war and happened to across the Illuminati which are connected the Skull& Bones cult (which dated back to the Templars which are the Free Masons) in Washington.
Apparently because the Illuminati want the New World Order, they want our soldiers out of the way because they are patriotic and would get in the way of this New Order and also poisoned our troops causing the susceptible to have Gulf War Syndrome. Look at what happened with Agent Orange and look at how they were treated with denial and ridicule although they are very sick and dying or have died and it's all written off to be psychosomatic.
After reading that, I feel they are deliberately undermining and allowing our soldiers to be relatively unprotected and directly in harm's way.
I know this sounds far fetched but one could always do a Google regarding this and I would have never gone this route myself if it weren't for my MCS which is in complete denial by the conventional medical community although I am quite ill.
Look also at the incredibly bad decisions made by our government regarding the virtually completely ignored borders and runaway illegal immigration while there's so much blather about Terrorism and Homeland Security along with outsourcing and offshore bank accounts for tax evasion.
We are all being undermined and I feel for a very sneaky reason-the New World Order and this apparently has been in the works for a while.Posted by Roxan on 2004-10-25 11:17:42

Imagine that the president's name is Bill Clinton.
Imagine that Bill Clinton received a daily briefing in August entitled, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S." which included details concerning airplanes being used as weapons. Now imagine that he then decided to continue his vacation. In Texas. And to ignore the warnings, including those from the terrorist czar from the previous administration.
Imagine that under this same president it is discovered that 17 of the 19 perpetrators of the worst attacks on US soil in American history are from Saudi Arabia and that the head of this atrocity is Osama bin Laden. And only a few days after the attacks, just as air space is beginning to open up, the administration assists in allowing a number of powerful Saudi Arabians, including some named bin Laden, to leave our country. In airplanes. Never mind that they were "briefed" and "interrogated" before their departure.
Imagine Bill Clinton promoting the deception that Iraqis were responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center (to the degree that three years later, 60% of the citizens belonging to the president's party still believe that this is a fact) in the face of a wall of evidence to the contrary. And his managing to coerce and deceive the congress into voting to give him the right to declare pre-emptive war. But during the very week that American troops are sent to Iraq to fight, his administration, with the President's acquiescence and encouragement, cuts benefits for veterans including education benefits for the children of troops killed in action! Hm. One might believe, as the rightwing pundits are wont to do, that Clinton "hates" the military. So much for supporting our troops, wouldn't one say?
Imagine Bill Clinton invading Afghanistan in order to eradicate the terrorists, only to turn over the completion of the task to Afghan war lords when bin Laden seems within our grasp!
Imagine Mr. Clinton being told by his military advisors that 500,000 troops are needed to ensure that a peaceful transition is made, but deciding that a fraction of that is necessary. And when the predicted chaos ensues, dogmatically maintaining his stance that it was the right way to do it and that he would do it the same way given another chance.
Imagine President Clinton (who as I recall was vilified as a draft dodger during his actual presidency while the draft-dodging antics of Mr. Bush are somehow considered to be "irrelevant") landing on an air craft carrier wearing fatigues with a huge banner behind him declaring "Mission Accomplished." But instead of the war being over, all Hell breaks loose, and a year and a half later, over 1,000 young Americans are dead and at least 13,000 innocent civilians in Iraq are also dead.
Speaking of which, imagine if it were Bill Clinton with months of military duty unaccounted for, having been slipped into the Reserves by his father's powerful friends in order to avoid combat in a war that he supported but did not wish to join! What a brouhaha that would create!
And, finally, imagine that Iraq has become not only a quagmire, but a haven for more terrorists. Imagine if it were under Bill Clinton's watch that, for every Al Qaida leader who is "killed or brought to justice," several appear to take his place. Imagine the Abu Graib prison scandal and memos and meetings with the president and his advisors and lawyers attempting to find a way to make torture seem less like torture.
Imagine, during this mythical Clinton presidency, the euphemistically named Patriot Act that allows the government to procure the library records of average citizens and forbids the librarian to even tell the citizen his or her privacy has been violated! Imagine a burgeoning deficit that our children will have to pay for, huge increases in local and state taxes as well as skyrocketing prices for gas and other essentials, and an increase in poverty that leaves a large percentage of our citizens in financial straits. These issues are not indicative of conservative values! And every one of these scenarios has taken place during the presidency of George W. Bush.
One could continue indefinitely. But it's not hard to imagine the Republican neocon outcry if Bill Clinton had performed in exactly the manner of the sitting president in only these few examples. This is just the very tip of the iceberg. Which, of course, reminds us of the "mythical" global warming problems exacerbated by the environmental policies (or lack thereof) of Bush's Administration. Who in his or her right mind would believe that this swaggering, inarticulate, smirking menace is the best choice to fight terrorism, guard our country, assist in the economic future of our citizens, or cope with the earth's immune system's rising to reject the human-made diseases running rampant on the planet? There's only a little over a week to decide. Please, please, please! Let's get it right this time.Posted by LeeAnn Gallucci on 2004-10-25 11:16:26

The thing is...the Republican machine ousted a good man. Senator Max Cleland (D) Ga. Sen CLeland served honorably in the Vietnam war. He came home to be greeted by many, mnay of you were the ones who spit on him as a baby killer. Remember?
Bush was snorting cocaine and sipping whiskey when Max came home.
Lets get this country on the good foot dammit.Posted by kim wolfe on 2004-10-25 10:51:34

First off, it should be noted that many educated Republicans are not supporting Bush, as he has betrayed most of the core principles of the Republican party as thoroughly as he has betrayed his campaign promises of 2000. There is a very telling list of prominent Republican switchers at http://www.dkosopedia.com/index.php/Republicans_for_Kerry_2004, but this does not brush upon the numerous average people who have voted Republican all their lives, but not this year. Bush is quite simply a radical, not a conservative, and many conservatives are increasingly aware that he has grossly mismanaged our country.
Don's question of why the military supports Bush is an excellent one, and a complex one as well. I think first off there is a strong military culture, a set of beliefs and values shared by military families and indoctrinated into the troops either before or after they join. This culture holds as true the axiom that the Republicans are better for the military as a whole (fight for bigger military budgets and talk up the troops more). There is also the question of loyalty -- the President, as Commander in Chief, must be respected, obeyed, and followed. It becomes a matter of honor, discipline, and loyalty for many soldiers and their families, regardless of how they may be treated when they get home.
But outside the military, why such broad support for a president who has so brazenly misused our country? One word: media. For most of his presidency, the mainstream media acted as a loyal echo of White House press releases. Rove's message discipline -- conveying one talking point each day to every media channel, conservative talk show, loyal administration official -- and the unprecedented consolidation of media (with 5 corporations controlling the lion's share of what Americans see and hear) led to a total failure of American awareness, the birth of a system of reality creation in which facts took a far back stage to agreed upon propaganda.
Democracy needs an informed and educated populace to function. Those of the radical right who are trying to hijack America know this. That is why we have programs like No Child Left Behind, which focus on teaching to the test and utterly abandon the idea of education as learning to think, question, read and watch critically. They want a populace that will absorb spin (and even outright lies) as fact and regurgitate it when "tested" on election day. NCLB is not just flawed because it was underfunded; it is flawed because it turns schools into training factories rather than educational facilities, funded just to a level where they can bring the lowest performers to a functional (read" employable at minimum wage) level, with no resources to train tomorrows thinkers, questioners, and scholars.
The other arm of this process is media (television, radio, print, and I would imagine the ultimate target would be the internet) consolidation into the hands of a few huge corporations who control what the majority are exposed to, thus streamlining the process of deceiving America.Posted by Ananda on 2004-10-25 10:31:54

Good point, Mr.Shulman.
I have heard up to 79% of the military are pro-Bush. He is their commander-in-chief...to give up on him is to give up on themselves.
I hope, if President Bush is re-elected, that he will no longer listen to neo-conservatives exclusively, regarding war. We need wisdom now, not just strength. Our troops deserve the best because they are making the ultimate sacrifice, to put themselves in harms way for us.Posted by Rose Walker on 2004-10-25 10:24:09

This morning's wake up brings news of 380,000 tons of munitions under the U.S. military control in Iraq has gone missing.
Failure by this administration to secure munitions is leading to the deaths of thousands of Iraqis and hundreds more American troops.
Remember, without the munitions there would be no war. The administration's need for more war means that the enemy must have more explosives.
The "Bush Doctrine" demands the military intervention in Iran and in North Korea.
Both are supporters of International terrorism and both posess "weapons of mass destruction". Both hate America and are ruled by brutal dictatorships. Human rights do not exist in either country. The "Bush Doctrine" demands regime change in those two countries at least. Of course, America hasn't the troops strength to attack either one, let alone both.
To acquire the troop strength to adhere to the policy, there will have to be a draft.
Either there will be a draft or Bush must repudiate his own doctrine. Since he has never changed any part of any policy, regardless of how damaging it might be, one could bet that the Bush Doctrine will be adhered to and we shall have a draft. Which will it be, no draft, or no more Bush Doctrine?Posted by William Newman on 2004-10-25 10:16:41

If Bush gets elected;
we WILL have a draft, U can count on it
We WILL get higher taxes, he'll need the cash
we WILL have more enamys, he'll attack another
within 4 years, and he'll say they
attacked us 1st
we WILL continue to have many die in iraq, and
this death will likely spread back
into Afganistan more then it already
has.
we WILL find more poverty, homeless, and
dispare, through cuts that are
ironically concidered good
buisness by the republicans...
BUT!!! we may get another 100.00 back as a tax cut... if we make enough... so? what does all that above stuff matter?Posted by John on 2004-10-25 09:45:52

With all that you indicate as being non-supportive of the military please explain whay, according to all "polls" (whatever they mean) the military are supporting Bush for re-election by a large majority??????Posted by Don Shulman on 2004-10-25 09:41:23

Yet another example of the Bush administration fooling its followers by saying one thing and doing another. I wonder if even Bush would feel good about realizing that many of those who support him are so ill informed( whether it's by Fox, or Rush, or believing the Bush administration lies) that they're voting for him based on misinformation. Fifty-sixty percent of Bush supporters really believe that there were weapons of mass destruction found recently in Iraq, that Iraq was partly responsible for 9/11, that Iraq had nuclear capability, that the Bush adm. has created a net gain in good jobs, that it's ONLY 9/11 and the recession that are responsible for Bush turning the surplus into the largest deficit ever, etc.Posted by mike gaston on 2004-10-25 09:28:56

THE NUMBER OF IRAQI CITIZENS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS WAR WILL NEVER BE REVEALED.TO REVEAL THIS NUMBER WILL SHOW THAT THIS COUNTRY IS A PARTICIPANT OF GENOCIDE.THIS HAS BEEN AND CONTINUE TO BE A WAR OF PERSONAL MURDER OF A PEOPLE THAT IS DISLIKED BY GEORGE BUSH.THIS IS NOT ABOUT PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM AND LIBERATING THE IRAQIS,THIS A PERSONAL VINDICTIVE WAR BY SOME ONE THAT WILL NEVER VISIT IRAQ AND TALK TO THE COMMON IRAQI ON THE STREET CORNER. THIS PRESIDENT IS A WAR MONGERING COWARD. THIS PRESIDENT IS NOT PIMPLE ON A REAL PRESIDENT'S BUTT.TEDDY ROOSEVELT WOULD HAVE SAID "BRING IT ON"WHILE ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE.THIS "BRAVE" PRESIDENT SAYS "BRING IT ON" FROM THE SAVE CONFINES OF THE OVAL OFFICE.THIS WAR WAS TOTALLY UNNECESSARY AND THE COUNTRY THAT WE WERE TO LIBERATE IS NOW BEING RUN BY AN OCCUPYING FORCE THAT ARE USING THE SAME TACTICS THAT WERE USED IN SOUTH AFRICA.IRAQ IS UNDER A U.S. LED APARTHIED SYSTEM.LOOK REAL CLOSE AT WHAT IS HAPPENING OVER THERE NOW AND THE SYSTEM THAT WAS IN PLACE ONCE IN SOUTH AFRICA.THIS PRESIDENT NEEDS TO STOPPED AND VOTED OUT OFFICE.AN IMPEACHMENT PROCESS SHOULD START AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN AWAY THE EXPLOSIVES THAT WERE CARTED AWAY UNDER YOUR WATCH?HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING AMERICA FROM TERRORIST AND YOU ALLOW THIS STUMBLING AND BUMBLING FIASCO TO OCCUR?THIS IS REPRESENT THE HIGHEST LEVEL INCOMPENTANCE.WHO IS MINDING THE STORE?Posted by GROVER C. AMIE on 2004-10-25 09:18:11

Let's also not forget the Bush administration having had our troops forgo mandatory pre-deployment physical and psychological exams before leaving for Iraq. Clinton had these mandated in '98 so as to avoid what happened to the first Gulf War vets: being denied disability benefits because there was no medical record of the afflicted soldiers not having had their affliction before going overseas. Heinous and unconscionable, this.
But until toe-the-liners with their head in the sand wake the hell up and make themselves aware of relevant information like this instead of obsessing about reality TV and shopping, our troops will be getting more of the same.Posted by Kevin Collins on 2004-10-25 08:33:51

Follow the money...we all know who President Bush wants to please...
Thanks to Arlene Rosso-Baron, who also remembers the Iraqi citizen count. So much for greeting us with flowers...other than "pushing up daisies".
This is not the world I wanted for my son. I fervently pray, regardless of who becomes president, that wisdom, not strength, play the biggest role in the next 4 years.Posted by Rose Walker on 2004-10-25 08:15:48

As a military widow, I despair that Bush's presidential leadership will bring more grief to wives and mothers in America due to Bush's misguided and horrific use of American military force. With more than 1,104 dead (and counting)soldiers in Iraq, realizing the cost in human lives for a foolish and unnecessary war, (as well as possibly 16,000 innocent Iraqi's killed, men, women, and children), it is unconscionable to believe that George W. Bush deserves to stay in the Oval Office to wreak more havoc on the world.
Nearly three thousand died on 9/11, but the Bush administration's criminal actions have far exceeded the number of people killed by terrorists. My humble opinion: the Bush administration is TERRORIZING America and the world. No wonder the people of the Middle East hate us!Posted by Arlene Rosso-Baron on 2004-10-25 07:35:28

The bushes are much complicent to destabalizing any society with their self centered attitude.
An individual would get more truth from the vilest of serpents. Much good can be done for people with money and power, however the bushes just know in their thoughts they are the only people that matter. One of the bushes stated that if you keep the voter fat and stupid they'll vote for you all the time. Well it's way passed time for us to stop being stupid. Our very country and the world is at stake in this election. Any vote not cast for Kerry-Edwards is a vote for bush and an upcoming global conflict. bush goes in we're going to Iran and Syria for war and yes there will be a draft. Save America-sweep out all the bushes in government.Posted by Larry Henry on 2004-10-25 03:57:54

Let us add, that the Republicans have often used "cutting military spending" as a the equivalent of betrying the country; while their claim to shoring up our defense has been to throw money at the military indiscriminately, breeding corruption and inefficiency. While all sorts of other cuts are forcing American families into poverty. Prioriteis seem way off here. And what about family values?Posted by Marton on 2004-10-25 03:16:52